Bernice Gerard

Linda,
I am so happy that you were able to spend quality time with your Mom at the end of her life. May your positive memories of life together bring you strength and peace. You are loved!

Bernice,
Although I never met you, I feel like I know all of your best qualities through my friendship with your lovely daughter, Linda. I can never thank you enough for the gift you gave us in Linda. She has shared pictures and stories and love. You will certainly live on through your very proud daughter.

Linda, I am so sorry for your loss my friend. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to a fine spirit. Well Done.
May you and the family find common ground and peace. Love Always....

Twice I have submitted my memories of you, dear sister, but, sadly, they have not been posted here. I don't know why not.

You have always been my hero. Love you and miss you.

Mom, I know you were never a fussy foo- foo kind of lady, but this is going to be the best party you've ever had. Hope you like it. Hope we made you proud. We love and miss, miss, miss, miss you. Linda

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Linda, I now know where you got your spunk. Wonderful tribute to your mom. I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Jennyan

One of my favorite memories is riding the families pony Shorty who was not interested in being disturbed. Shorty took off running full blast with me on her, your mom took off running through the fields down to the creek after us yelling and shouting at Shorty to stop. Oh what a day! I'm sorry I didn't get to know her as an adult. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers, sending love and hugs...

Even though I did not know You personally-Your Daughter was My Music Teacher in High School-May You rest in Piece and always hear the Beautiful music on the Golden street's of Heaven!

Mom, it's not the same without you. I miss you. Linda